The recommendations were issued to both the
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the
National Weather Service (NWS), who are jointly
responsible for providing such information to
pilots.

Timely, detailed weather information is critical
for enabling airmen to properly balance risks
and make sound decisions when determining to
fly.

The recommendations are based on NTSB accident
investigations involving aircraft encountering
weather conditions, such as adverse surface
wind, dense fog, icing, turbulence, and
low-level wind shear. Currently, although
information on these conditions may exist, it is
not always provided to pilots through NWS
products during preflight weather forecasts.

"What's difficult to understand is why weather
advisories from the National Weather Service to
the general public, at times, provide more
comprehensive information about weather
conditions than the advisories they provide to
pilots experiencing the same conditions," said
NTSB Board Member Earl Weener. "Why pilots would
receive less information makes no sense, and
increases the risk of flying in severe weather
conditions. That is why this issue is on the
NTSB's Most Wanted List."

Additionally, although the NWS routinely advises
pilots of turbulence and weather patterns
associated with mountain wave activity (MWA),
which can cause unique and adverse flying
conditions, there are currently no requirements
for the NWS to issue advisories specific to MWA.
The NTSB believes notification of the potential
for and the existence of MWA allows pilots to
prepare for these atmospheric disturbances.

The NTSB also identified the need for improved situation
awareness and communication between the center weather
service units (CWSUs) and the Aviation Weather Centers.
Appreciating the challenges involved in issuing critical
weather advisories in a timely manner, the NTSB
recognizes the importance of proper coordination and
communication between the various NWS components.

Therefore, the NTSB is also recommending a protocol be
established to enhance communication among
meteorologists to ensure mutual situation awareness of
critical aviation weather data among meteorologists.
"Safety will be enhanced for airmen and their passengers
when pilots are given a complete weather report
including all of the most current weather information,"
Weener said.